Ranui Lavender
It all started 8 years ago when Tracy and husband Eric had just completed a property development when they found a 10-acre block nestled on the out skirts of Martinborough in amongst farmlands and wineries.
Both born from the Wairarapa knew they needed to find another attraction other than wine and olives. Following some research and talking to the local farmers Richard and Dinah from ‘Hauiti Lavender’ they decided to plant their hillside with a variety of lavender including ‘Pacific Blue’ and ‘Grosso’.
The 1st year they lost over 600 plants due to the wet weather, clay soil which off course lavender hate. So Eric ripped the hillside and they started again planting over 2000 plants and now they are reaping the rewards of good drainage and Martinborough’s sunshine.
They call their Lavender products ‘Ranui Essentials’ which represents their property, as their house was moved from Wellington in seven pieces and was the original ‘Ranui Hospital in Karori’.
Tracy experimented over the years on a number of products of which her friends on the train (as she commutes daily to Wellington) enjoyed giving feedback. So after 8 years Tracy and Eric have now opened up their farm to the public so everyone can enjoy the Wairarapa valley and when in flower a hillside of lavender (December – February).
They have a recently opened shop on the property which sells lavender products including pure essential oils and natural cosmetic products plus natural home products including a multipurpose cleaner . Tracy has also teamed up with some of her train friends and family. So in addition sells an assortment of locally hand crafted cards, cushions, linens, and and homespun baby clothes.
Opened in the weekends from 10am – 3pm and public holidays at the top of Murdoch James Estate on Dry River Road in Martinborough.
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